Witches' Cave, Limestone cave in Malargüe Department, Argentina.
Witches' Cave is a limestone cave system located within a provincial reserve at approximately 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) elevation in the Andes. The site features stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools formed by water erosion over geological time.
The cave formed during the uplift of the Andes, when underground water currents carved through Jurassic sedimentary rock. This geological process occurred over millions of years as the mountain range rose.
The name comes from regional legends about two women who found shelter in the cave and were said to transform into owls according to local tradition. These stories remain part of how people in the area talk about this place today.
Visitors can explore only the first 200 meters of the system on guided tours, with helmets and lamps provided. Plan to wear sturdy shoes since the interior remains cool and damp throughout the visit.
The cave harbors specialized fauna adapted to darkness, including spiders and springtails found nowhere else in the region. Underground oil deposits have influenced the cave's geological structure and formation.
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